ABOUT THE AWARD
About the Ardhanareeswara Award
Thailand and Asia’s first and only award honouring contributions to sexual and gender diversity in all areas of society.
The story of
“Ardhanareeswara”
Ardhanareeswara (Ardhanarīśvara)
A symbol of balance and equality
Meaning and origins
The union of Shiva and Parvati in one form, half male and half female, represents masculine and feminine creative energy. This form appears in the Puranas and ancient Indian art.
Values and beliefs
A symbol of harmony across genders and emotions, believed to bring love, understanding and sincerity into life.
Relevance today
A reminder to embrace diverse gender identities, uphold human dignity and recognise the equal worth of every person.
“Ardhanareeswara
is a symbol of living together
in balance and equality.”
The story behind
the Ardhanareeswara Award
First held in 2017 through a partnership between the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security, the National Human Rights Commission of Thailand and the Rainbow Sky Association of Thailand, the award now celebrates its eighth edition.
- 01
The award’s value is demonstrated by the achievements recognised each year. Each category honours a single recipient, with only 13–15 awards presented overall.
- 02
The organisers represent government, independent bodies and civil society: the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security, the National Human Rights Commission of Thailand and the Rainbow Sky Association of Thailand.
- 03
Recipients are selected by an experienced expert panel spanning medicine, public health, media, human rights, civil society, government, independent bodies, business and academia.
- 04
Recipients accept their award on stage and deliver a speech of up to three minutes to inspire the audience or share their achievements.
- 05
Thailand and Asia’s first and only award honouring contributions to sexual and gender diversity across all areas of society.
- 06
All selection criteria are guided by good governance and transparency, ensuring an appropriate and fair process.
Ardhanareeswara Forum
and Awards
8th edition · 2026
Organised by the Rainbow Sky Association of Thailand (RSAT) and its partners to advance a society that respects diversity.
- 01
Honour meaningful contributions
Recognise individuals, agencies and organisations that support LGBTQ+ people and their work without prejudice or discrimination.
- 02
Raise awareness of community action
Highlight the practical contributions of individuals, agencies and supporting organisations in advancing sexual and gender diversity across society.
- 03
Encourage and inspire
Support the individuals, agencies and organisations working on every aspect of sexual and gender diversity.
- 04
Sustain action for diversity
Promote broad, lasting action on sexual and gender diversity by individuals, agencies and organisations.
Past award ceremonies
- 1
Edition 1 · 2017
12 December 2017
at Conference hall, Bangkok Art and Culture Centre
- 2
Edition 2 · 2018
12 December 2018
at Sri Burapha Auditorium, Thammasat University
- 3
Edition 3 · 2019
20 January 2020
at 8th-floor auditorium, Chaloem Rajakumari 60 Building, Chulalongkorn University
- 4
Edition 4 · 2022
14 December 2022
at 10th-floor conference hall, Ministry of Justice
- 5
Edition 5 · 2023
13 December 2023
at 10th-floor conference hall, Ministry of Justice
- 6
Edition 6 · 2024
13 December 2024
at 10th-floor conference hall, Ministry of Justice
- 7
Edition 7 · 2025
13 December 2025
at 10th-floor conference hall, Ministry of Justice
- 8
8th edition · 2026
8 December 2026
10th-floor conference hall, Ministry of Justice